Dr. Robert Jordan "Bob" Clayton

1943 - 2022

Dr. Robert "Bob" Jordan Clayton passed away peacefully on January 22, 2022, at the age of 78. He was born in Streator, IL on December 23, 1943, to the late Glenn Arthur Clayton and Eva Jordan Clayton.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 30 years, Jill Lambertz Clayton; his son, Jeffery Clayton; his daughters, Cheryl Clayton and Kelli Clayton Cazayoux (Robbie); his step-children, Kristen Seal Kruse (Mark) and Brett Seal (Becky); eight grandchildren, Caroline, Abigail, Katherine, and Emily Cazayoux, Turner, Hogan, and Avery West, and Mack Seal; and one brother, Glenn E. Clayton (Mary Ruth), nephews Chris Clayton(Nicki) and Gary Clayton(Jen), and great-nephews and nieces.

A 1962 honors graduate from Streator High School, he then attended the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, where he majored in pre-dentistry. In 1969, he graduated from the University of Tennessee Dental School in Memphis. He served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, and was stationed in Pensacola, FL. Following his time in the Navy, he earned an advanced degree in Endodontics from Loyola University School of Dentistry in Maywood, IL.

He returned to Memphis, to join Dr. Phillip Sherman in private practice for over 45 years. During this time, he also taught part time at the University of Tennessee Dental School, and became known as the "Professor". A nickname that would eventually add so much to his and his students' lives. He left teaching in the early 1900's to full time private practice. After retiring from private practice in 2019, he felt called to return to teaching and mentoring students. Having a student assist chairside during a difficult surgery or working in the endo lab, brought great satisfaction to him. The joy that came from seeing his students grow and thrive in the field of endodontics filled his heart!

Bob was an avid golfer and scuba diver, in his younger years. Later, spearfishing had moved to the top of his list of activities. He also enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing and hunting, which he never was able to bag the "big one"! Exploring the United States on his motorcycle and one of his favorites was to Sturgis. You would find him often sporting a Harley t-shirt, jacket, hat and camo pants.

He loved his family! He made it a priority to attend births, birthdays, grandparents' days, sporting events, holidays, favorite Mardi Gras and everything in between, for those that lived both near and far. He greatly enjoyed celebrating life with his children and grandchildren. The grandchildren loved having their Grandpa/Papa cheer them on!

A Memorial Service will be held on March 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Collierville Methodist Sanctuary on the Square, with a Celebration of Life following at The Quonset located at 178 S. Center Street, Collierville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be sent to Birthright, 115 Alexander Street, Memphis, TN 38111 or the American Heart Association.